The Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA) is a vital initiative designed to help businesses in the Townsville North Queensland region address labor shortages by allowing them to hire skilled workers from overseas. This formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise provides a tailored solution to local recruitment challenges, offering flexibility not available through standard skilled migration programs.
Key Features of TNQ DAMA:
Tailored Occupations and Concessions: The TNQ DAMA includes a list of pre-approved job categories, eliminating the need for repetitive approvals for these positions. It also provides concessions such as adjustments to English proficiency and salary criteria.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: One of the standout features of the TNQ DAMA is the potential pathway it offers for workers to gain permanent residency. This aspect provides long-term stability and growth opportunities for foreign employees, enhancing the appeal of working in Australia.
Flexibility and Efficiency: The TNQ DAMA allows for concessions in visa requirements, including age limits, qualifications, skills, and English language proficiency.
How to Apply for the TNQ DAMA?
Businesses interested in utilizing the TNQ DAMA must follow a structured application process:
DAR Endorsement: Obtain endorsement from Townsville Enterprise, the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the TNQ DAMA. Your business needs to submit an application form along with supporting documents, including details of the positions, proposed salaries, and evidence of local labor market testing to demonstrate that no suitable Australian candidates are available.
Labour Agreement Request with the Department of Home Affairs: Once endorsed by Townsville Enterprise, your business can apply for a labor agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This application is made online through an Immi account and requires similar documentation as provided for the DAR endorsement.
Visa Nominations and Applications: After receiving the labor agreement approval, businesses can proceed with lodging nominations and visa applications. This process involves submitting detailed information about each overseas worker, including their skills and experience. Visa applications are then reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs, which includes health checks and police reports for the workers.
For individuals seeking employment under the TNQ DAMA
Identify Eligible Job Opportunities: Start by searching for job openings with businesses participating in the TNQ DAMA. Look for positions on company websites or job portals and confirm that the roles are covered under the agreement to ensure they qualify for the program.
Apply for the Job: Once you find suitable positions, submit your application directly to the employer. Follow the employer’s application instructions closely and highlight your relevant skills and experience to align with the job requirements.
Visa Application Process: If you receive a job offer, your employer will handle the visa application process on your behalf. You will need to provide additional documents, such as health checks and police reports, as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Eligible Regional Areas
The TNQ DAMA covers several regional areas including:
Burdekin Shire
City of Townsville
Shire of Hinchinbrook
Charters Towers Region
Shire of Flinders
Shire of Richmond
Shire of McKinlay
Shire of Cloncurry
City of Mt Isa
Occupations and Concessions
The TNQ DAMA offers specific concessions which can include:
Most occupations benefit from an age concession that extends the age limit to 55. However, for 12 specific occupations, this age concession is slightly reduced to 50. These occupations include Aquaculture Worker, Commercial Housekeeper, Fruit Farm Worker, Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Worker, Concreter, Kitchenhand, Chemical Plant Worker, Driller’s Assistant, Nut Farm Worker, Commercial Cleaner, Fruit Picker, and Sugar Mill Worker.
English Language. Concessions include reduced IELTS score requirements, with an overall score of 5.0 and no minimum for each component for the TSS or SESR visas, and 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 per component for the permanent 186 ENS visa.
TNQ DAMA currently does not offer a pathway to permanent residency for the following twelve (12) occupations: Aquaculture Worker, Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Worker, Chemical Plant Worker, Commercial Cleaner, Commercial Housekeeper, Concreter, Driller’s Assistant, Fruit Picker, Fruit Farm Worker, Kitchenhand, Nut Farm Worker, and Sugar Mill Worker.
Application Timeline and Costs
The labor agreement request process typically takes between 1 to 6 months to process. Once approved, the agreement is valid for up to five years. There are NO fees for submitting the labor agreement request itself. However, there is a fee for the Designated Area Review (DAR).
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What regions are covered by the TNQ DAMA?
- The TNQ DAMA covers the Burdekin Shire, City of Townsville, Shire of Hinchinbrook, Charters Towers Region, Shire of Flinders, Shire of Richmond, Shire of McKinlay, Shire of Cloncurry, and the City of Mt Isa.
Q2: How long does it take to process a labor agreement request?
- The processing time for a labor agreement request can range from 1 to 6 months. Once approved, the agreement is valid for up to five years.
Q3: Will Townsville Enterprise help me find employers who might sponsor me through the TNQ DAMA?
- No, Townsville Enterprise does not provide matchmaking services between individuals and potential employers. Individuals should reach out directly to employers in the TNQ region
Q4: Are there any fees for applying for the TNQ DAMA?
- There are NO fees for submitting the labor agreement request itself. However, there is a fee for the Designated Area Review (DAR).
Q5: Can businesses and workers apply for the TNQ DAMA outside of the specified regions?
- No, the TNQ DAMA is specifically designed for businesses and workers within the designated regional areas of Townsville North Queensland. Applications from outside these areas are not eligible under this agreement.
Q6: What types of visas are available under the TNQ DAMA?
- The TNQ DAMA allows for the use of several visa types, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa (subclass 494), and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).
Q7: What housing options are available for new residents?
- Businesses applying for a DAMA should include the discussion of accommodation and housing options for international workers as part of their onboarding process.
Q8: Can a worker apply for a TNQ DAMA visa directly?
- No, workers cannot apply for a TNQ DAMA visa directly. They must first secure a job offer from an employer who has an approved TNQ DAMA labor agreement. The employer then handles the visa application process on behalf of the worker.
Q9: What professions are featured in the current DAMA list?
- The Townsville DAMA includes 195 different roles spanning various industries, with an emphasis on sectors poised for future expansion such as manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, transport, postal and warehousing, as well as professional, scientific, and technical services.
Q10: What rights and protections do overseas workers have under their visas?
- Overseas workers are entitled to the same rights and protections as Australian workers under Australian Workplace Laws. This includes ensuring that salary levels meet the same standards required for local employees.
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